Multiple protests over currency drop continue in Iran

Shannon Reynolds |Monday, August 06, 2018

With US sanctions set to begin, where next for Trump's Iran strategy

The 2015 agreement curbed Iran's nuclear program in return for lifting most worldwide sanctions. The first round of United States sanctions on Iran goes into effect in August, followed by ones targeting Iran's oil exports in November.

He was responding to a July 22 warning from Rouhani that the US should not "play with the lion's tail" and warned that any conflict with Iran would be the "mother of all wars".

Trump said this week he is willing to meet with Iran's leadership, without preconditions, "whenever they want" - a sharp departure from his threats against the regime last week.

According to Pompeo, the restoration of sanctions against Iran is an important pillar in United States policy.

Global sanctions were lifted under the pact between world powers and Tehran in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme but US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 deal in May.

Camelia Entekhabifard is an Iranian-American journalist, political commentator and author of Camelia: Save Yourself By Telling the Truth (Seven Stories Press, 2008).

China Plans Tariffs on $60 Billion of Imports to Counter Trump
Taken in totality, the new Chinese proposals will cover $ 60 billion in U.S. imports. "They are really hurting their economy". Trump has ultimately threatened tariffs on over $500 billion in Chinese goods, covering virtually all US imports from China.

Despite the protests, Iranian leaders have reacted skeptically to Trump's offer of talks, insisting that the United States first rejoin the nuclear deal.

And John Bolton, the president's national security adviser, is a well-known Iran hawk who has advocated for regime change.

"I would certainly meet with Iran if they wanted to meet", Trump said.

Over the weekend, Trump once again floated the idea of meeting, tweeting "I will meet, or not meet, it doesn't matter - it is up to them!"

But many US allies believe that language is code for regime change.

If the re-imposed sanctions caused the government in Tehran to collapse, Iran would likely devolve into civil war like what unfolded in Syria or radicals would assume power, the diplomat said.

The exercise could shut down of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial Gulf passage for shipments of numerous commodities.

Iran's economy has rapidly deteriorated in recent months due in part to uncertainty over the atomic accord, fueling protests.

People in Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Karaj, Ahvaz, and Rasht joined the protests that started on Tuesday mainly in Karaj and Isfahan over high inflation and unemployment.

The agency reported all protests had taken place without official permission and were subsequently broken up by police.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has underlined that any decision to keep the JCPOA running without the USA should be conditional on "practical guarantees" from the Europeans.

U.S. employers add 157,000 jobs, jobless rate hits 3.9 per cent
The U.S. central bank said "the labor market has continued to strengthen and economic activity has been rising at a strong rate". The economy expanded at a 4.1 per cent annual rate in the April-June quarter, the strongest showing in almost four years.

Popular news

Plane crash in Switzerland killed all 20 people on board
Police said Sunday they have now determined that all 20 people on board the plane, including its three crew members, died. Ju-Air, which offers flights from Junkers Ju-52 planes, said one of its vehicles was involved in the incident.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri Important to start with a trophy
Do you agree with our manager , Blues? "The important thing is that they play better, not their relations with the manager ". There is one player in particular though who is likely to come under the spotlight from both sets of fans at Wembley.

Demi Lovato 'Understands the Severity of Her Overdose'
Her closest friends and family, including ex-boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama , have reportedly been by her side during her recovery. A source said: " Demi has been in the hospital for over a week because she needed to be monitored by a medical professional".

Samsung Galaxy J4 2018 reviews & price in Nigeria
In addition to the fresh render leaked by Blass, the first hands-on images of the Galaxy Note 9 have been on SlashLeaks. The phone could be powered by the Snapdragon 845 processor or Exynos 9810, depending on the region.

Oil: OPEC Production Climbs As Saudi Arabia Pumps More
OPEC + may discuss whether a bigger production increase is needed when they meet in September, Novak said last month. Oil prices are also feeling the effects of tensions over global trade, which could cause economic growth to slow.

Randy Moss absolutely crushed his Hall of Fame speech
They were going to mail it to him Saturday. "Many of you may be wondering why we're here instead of Canton", Owens said. His friend, whom he referred to as Dave Brown and who also is friends with Lewis, brought it from Canton.

Iran Guards says it held Gulf drills as USA tensions rise
Sanctions will also be reapplied to USA imports of Iranian carpets and foodstuffs and on certain related financial transactions. However, only 13 planes have been delivered since sanctions on Iran were lifted under the nuclear pact.

Alex Iwobi signs new long-term Arsenal contract
Iwobi made his senior team debut in 2015 and since then, has appeared 98 times, finding the net only nine times. Speaking to Arsenal Player , Iwobi hailed the "amazing feeling" after signing the extension.

What the interest rates increase means for you
The interest rate rise will increase the cost of around 3.7 million residential mortgages that have variable or tracker rates. The financial markets have taken this on board and are forecasting one, and perhaps two, rises of 0.25% before 2020.